[[Image:Sigulda_Bobsled.jpg|thumb|300px|Sigulda's bobsled and luge track snakes its way into the valley.]]

[[Image:Sigulda_Bobsled.jpg|thumb|300px|Sigulda's bobsled and luge track snakes its way into the valley.]]

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'''Sigulda''' [http://www.sigulda.lv] is in the Vidzeme Region of [[Latvia]], some 50 kilometers to the east of [[Riga]]. Located in the picturesque Gauja valley, with its steep banks and cliffs, Sigulda has become known as the 'Switzerland of Latvia'.

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'''Sigulda''' [http://www.tourism.sigulda.lv/public/eng/] is in the Vidzeme Region of [[Latvia]], some 50 kilometers to the east of [[Riga]]. Located in the picturesque Gauja valley, with its steep banks and cliffs, Sigulda has become known as the 'Switzerland of Latvia'.

==Get in==

==Get in==

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==By public transport==

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===By train===

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Sigulda can be reached from Riga (53km) by bus or by train. The trip takes about 75 minutes by train, and a day return ticket costs L3.02 (November 2009). Timetables at [http://www.1188.lv/satiksme/starppilsetu_autobusi/].

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Sigulda can be reached from [[Riga]] (53km) by bus or by train. The trip takes about 75 minutes by train, and a day return ticket costs L3.10 (September 2011). Timetables at [http://www.1188.lv/satiksme/starppilsetu_autobusi/].

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The bus and the train take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to go to Sigulda from Riga.

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==By car==

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===By bus===

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The train, like the bus, takes about 1 hour 15 minutes from [[Riga]]

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===By car===

If going there by private transport, watch out for traffic jams during nice summer weekends - lots of people go there during season, sometimes it's better to take the train.

If going there by private transport, watch out for traffic jams during nice summer weekends - lots of people go there during season, sometimes it's better to take the train.

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*Another alternative is to hire a private transfer [http://www.rigatransfers24.com]. You just pay one fixed fee and you get a door to door service. Its probably the quickest way to get to Sigulda.

==Get around==

==Get around==

Line 19:

Line 26:

==See==

==See==

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*'''City card Siguldas spieķis''' [http://www.tourism.sigulda.lv] is the key to unique Sigulda experience for individual travelers. What you will get with your City card: Free entry to the main sights and the museum, Money saving special offers.

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*'''Turaida castle''' is about 4km outside of Sigulda and a major sight. It's been rebuilt in the Soviet area and now houses exhibition space and a small café. It also has fabulous views over the valley and the river.

*'''Turaida castle''' is about 4km outside of Sigulda and a major sight. It's been rebuilt in the Soviet area and now houses exhibition space and a small café. It also has fabulous views over the valley and the river.

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*'''Gutmanis cave''' lies half-way between Sigulda and Turaida castle and has a little creek flowing from it. A legend states that the water in the creek emenates from Gutmanis' tears, and drinking it is supposed to be healthy and boosting one's lifespan. Try it at your own risk, or just watch people stopping by to fill entire bottles.

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*'''Gutmanis cave''' lies half-way between Sigulda and Turaida castle and has a little creek flowing from it. A legend states that the water in the creek emanates from Gutmanis' tears, and drinking it is supposed to be healthy and boosting one's lifespan. Try it at your own risk, or just watch people stopping by to fill entire bottles.

*'''Krimulda Palace and Ruins''' are located about 800 m further from Gutmanis Cave up the Serpentine road. The Cable car take tourists to Sigulda side every half hour.

*'''Krimulda Palace and Ruins''' are located about 800 m further from Gutmanis Cave up the Serpentine road. The Cable car take tourists to Sigulda side every half hour.

*'''Sigulda New Castle''' built in the end of 19th century. Restaurant and city council is located in castle.

*'''Sigulda New Castle''' built in the end of 19th century. Restaurant and city council is located in castle.

Line 27:

Line 36:

==Do==

==Do==

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* Do a '''canoe tour in the national park'''. Take care of your arms. :-)

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* Do a '''canoe tour in the national park'''. Take care of your arms.

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*Ride '''Latvia's only cable car''' across the Gauja valley and enjoy the view. L2 one way (Nov 2009 correct)

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* Ride '''Latvia's only cable car''' across the Gauja valley and enjoy the view. L2 one way (July 2011).

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*Walk the wooded trails to Turaida. Take the cable car across the valley, then up and down a variety of paths and steps to Turaida village and castle, before returning along the river valley and a visit to Gutman's Cave. Distance is around 10km.

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* Walk the wooded trails to '''Turaida'''. Take the cable car across the valley, then up and down a variety of paths and steps to Turaida village and castle, before returning along the river valley and a visit to '''Gutman's Cave'''. Distance is around 10 km.

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*In winter, slide down the '''artificial bobsled track''' or '''ski''' in the mini ski resort. During summer weekends, the bobsled run is also converted for use by 'wheel-bobs'.

* In winter, slide down the '''bobsled track''' or '''ski''' in the mini ski resort. During summer weekends, the bobsled run is converted for use by 'wheel-bobs'.

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*'''Amusement park Wild cat'''. Adventure Park Mežakaķis is a sporty activity or a walk in the trees, and it is designed for people that are fond of active lifestyle and spending time in open air.

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* '''Amusement park Wild cat'''. Adventure Park Mežakaķis is a sporty activity or a walk in the trees, and it is designed for people that are fond of active lifestyle and spending time in open air.

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*'''Aerodium''' is the free flight simulator - first vertical wind tunnel in Eastern Europe. It breaks gravity rules and allows you to fly with the help of newest technologies!

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* '''Aerodium''' is the free flight simulator - first vertical wind tunnel in Eastern Europe. It breaks gravity rules and allows you to fly with the help of newest technologies!

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* '''Elvi Bowling''' 1 Vidus Street, Ph: +371 67970007.

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*'''Aparjods'' [http://www.aparjods.lv] music club next to the hotel and restaurant Aparjods.

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==Buy==

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*'''Latroze''' [http://www.latroze.lv] located next to the main highway A2.

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*'''Melnais Kaķis''' [http://www.cathouse.lv]located in the city centre. Open every evening from 22.00 p.m. to 2.00 a.m. Everu weekend is disco opened from 22.00 p.m. to 4.00 a.m.

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*'''Elvi Bouling''' 1 Vidus Street, Sigulda, Ph: +371 67970007

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==Buy==

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*'''Sigulda Walking Stick''' is the most popular tourist souvenir for more than a hundred years. The canes have different sizes, starting from very small (almost like a keyring) till actual size, which you could use exploring the city. You can find them at Turaida castle, Tourism information centre, Gutmanis cave, etc.

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*'''City card Siguldas spieķis''' [http://www.tourism.sigulda.lv] is the key to unique Sigulda experience for individual travelers. What you will get with your City card: Free entry to the main sights and the museum, Money saving special offers, Choice, flexibility & convenience.

==Eat==

==Eat==

Line 47:

Line 53:

In the centre of town (Pils Iela) there are two large buffet / cafés open throughout the day all week from Breakfast until late evening opposite the main shopping area. There is also a Hesburger outlet beyond the bobsleigh course, but this is a good walk from everything else.

In the centre of town (Pils Iela) there are two large buffet / cafés open throughout the day all week from Breakfast until late evening opposite the main shopping area. There is also a Hesburger outlet beyond the bobsleigh course, but this is a good walk from everything else.

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In Turaida we found no hot food options for lunch beyond a microwaved hot dog at the village store.

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In Turaida there are no food options for lunch beyond a microwaved hot dog at the village store.

==Drink==

==Drink==

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*'''Melnais Kaķis''' [http://www.cathouse.lv/en/]located in the city centre. Open every evening from 22.00 p.m. to 2.00 a.m. Every weekend is disco opened from 22.00 p.m. to 4.00 a.m.

*'''Latroze''' [http://www.latroze.lv] located next to the main highway A2.

==Get out==

==Get out==

{{outline}}

{{outline}}

{{IsPartOf|Riga region}}

{{IsPartOf|Riga region}}

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[[WikiPedia:Sigulda]][[nl:Sigulda]]

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[[WikiPedia:Sigulda]]

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[[nl:Sigulda]]

Revision as of 09:22, 4 March 2013

Sigulda's bobsled and luge track snakes its way into the valley.

Sigulda[2] is in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia, some 50 kilometers to the east of Riga. Located in the picturesque Gauja valley, with its steep banks and cliffs, Sigulda has become known as the 'Switzerland of Latvia'.

By bus

By car

If going there by private transport, watch out for traffic jams during nice summer weekends - lots of people go there during season, sometimes it's better to take the train.

Another alternative is to hire a private transfer [4]. You just pay one fixed fee and you get a door to door service. Its probably the quickest way to get to Sigulda.

Get around

Sigulda New Castle.

Sigulda is a small town, and every major sight is easily accessible on foot. In winter, some hiking paths are even cleared of snow.
A local bus goes to Turaida and Krimulda every day and takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

See

City card Siguldas spieķis[5] is the key to unique Sigulda experience for individual travelers. What you will get with your City card: Free entry to the main sights and the museum, Money saving special offers.

Turaida castle is about 4km outside of Sigulda and a major sight. It's been rebuilt in the Soviet area and now houses exhibition space and a small café. It also has fabulous views over the valley and the river.

Gutmanis cave lies half-way between Sigulda and Turaida castle and has a little creek flowing from it. A legend states that the water in the creek emanates from Gutmanis' tears, and drinking it is supposed to be healthy and boosting one's lifespan. Try it at your own risk, or just watch people stopping by to fill entire bottles.

Krimulda Palace and Ruins are located about 800 m further from Gutmanis Cave up the Serpentine road. The Cable car take tourists to Sigulda side every half hour.

Sigulda New Castle built in the end of 19th century. Restaurant and city council is located in castle.

Sigulda Medieval Castle Ruins located next to the Sigulda New castle. Built in 1207 by the Order of the Brethren of the Sword. Opena air stage is located in ruins nowadays.

Walking-stick Square opened in 2007. Walking-stick is a symbol of Sigulda town. Locals has made walking-stick since 19th century to help tourists walk up and down the Primeval valley of the Gauja River.

Do

Do a canoe tour in the national park. Take care of your arms.

Ride Latvia's only cable car across the Gauja valley and enjoy the view. L2 one way (July 2011).

Walk the wooded trails to Turaida. Take the cable car across the valley, then up and down a variety of paths and steps to Turaida village and castle, before returning along the river valley and a visit to Gutman's Cave. Distance is around 10 km.

In winter, slide down the bobsled track or ski in the mini ski resort. During summer weekends, the bobsled run is converted for use by 'wheel-bobs'.

Amusement park Wild cat. Adventure Park Mežakaķis is a sporty activity or a walk in the trees, and it is designed for people that are fond of active lifestyle and spending time in open air.

Aerodium is the free flight simulator - first vertical wind tunnel in Eastern Europe. It breaks gravity rules and allows you to fly with the help of newest technologies!

Elvi Bowling 1 Vidus Street, Ph: +371 67970007.

Buy

Sigulda Walking Stick is the most popular tourist souvenir for more than a hundred years. The canes have different sizes, starting from very small (almost like a keyring) till actual size, which you could use exploring the city. You can find them at Turaida castle, Tourism information centre, Gutmanis cave, etc.

Eat

In the centre of town (Pils Iela) there are two large buffet / cafés open throughout the day all week from Breakfast until late evening opposite the main shopping area. There is also a Hesburger outlet beyond the bobsleigh course, but this is a good walk from everything else.

In Turaida there are no food options for lunch beyond a microwaved hot dog at the village store.

Drink

Melnais Kaķis[6]located in the city centre. Open every evening from 22.00 p.m. to 2.00 a.m. Every weekend is disco opened from 22.00 p.m. to 4.00 a.m.